Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech to the US Congress on Wednesday, July 24, more than nine months after the Hamas attack on October 7 and the start of the war in Gaza. His visit was strongly criticized, with thousands of demonstrators protesting outside the Capitol, and Democratic lawmakers deciding to boycott the politician’s visit.
4 mins
Benjamin Netanyahu was applauded at length upon his entry into the American Congress by Republican elected officials. For the forces of civilization to triumph “, both countries must ” stay united “, did he declare.
He said to himself: confident ” on the outcome of efforts to free the hostages held by Hamas, considering that these efforts ” can be successful ” Netanyahu notably thanked his American counterpart “ for his tireless efforts ” in favor of the hostages. The Israeli Prime Minister insisted before the elected members of Congress the importance of the bond that unites the two countries.
” We are not just protecting ourselves. Our enemies are your enemies, our fight is your fight, and our victory will be your victory. ” he said, adding thatIsrael would do ” all the necessary ” For ” restore security ” on its northern border. The leader also shared his ” Vision for Gaza “, arguing that ” the demilitarization and deradicalization of Gaza ” will be able to ” lead to a future of security, prosperity and peace “.
In his speech, Benjamin Netanyahu was critical of Iran, calling its policy ” axis of terror ” Who ” challenges the United States, Israel and our Arab friends. This is not a clash of civilizations, but a clash between barbarism and civilization. ” he said. Pro-Gaza activists have been designated as “ Iran’s Useful Idiots ” by the Prime Minister, who assures that Tehran is financing these demonstrations.
He also paid tribute to former President Donald Trump, with whom he has a very good relationship, thanking him ” for all he did for Israel “, while denouncing the assassination attempt” ignoble ” who has targeted the Republican candidate on July 13.
This is the fourth time – a record for a foreign leader – that Benjamin Netanyahu has addressed Congress in this way, an honor usually reserved for leaders on a state visit.
A criticized visit
The visit of Benjamin Netanyahu has caused a lively controversy in the United States, while the country is going through a period of full political effervescence, following the withdrawal of Joe Biden from the presidential election next November, which leaves his place to Kamala Harris.
Read alsoUnited States: Democrats embarrassed by Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Congress
Many Democratic lawmakers are up in arms against the right-wing Israeli leader, condemning his conduct of the war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Gazawhich resulted in thousands of Palestinian deaths and a humanitarian catastrophe. Several of them boycotted the speech in Congress, including the very influential Nancy Pelosi or the progressive representatives Rashida Tlaib and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
On his X account, left-wing Senator Bernie Sanders denounced the Israeli leader’s visit. Since the start of the war in Gaza, at least 39,000 Palestinians have been killed and 89,000 injured. Netanyahu is a war criminal. He should not be addressing Congress ” he wrote.
Thousands of anti-Netanyahu protesters in Washington
Thousands of protesters gathered behind a large security perimeter around Congress, chanting “Free Palestine,” calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and holding signs urging the UNITED STATES has ” stop US aid to Israel “.
Six people were arrested in the chamber of the House of Representatives, where the Israeli Prime Minister spoke, because they ” disturbed ” the speech, Capitol Police wrote on X.
Read alsoUnited States: Democrats embarrassed by Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Congress